JP2017150764A - Air conditioner and air conditioning system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioner having high degree of freedom for temperature setting in air conditioning control during sleeping.SOLUTION: An air conditioner 1 can perform at least one of cooling operation and heating operation. The air conditioner 1 includes a remote controller 5. The remote controller 5 includes an input unit 15 configured to receive input of a setting temperature of the air conditioner 1, and a display unit 16 configured to display the setting temperature. The input unit 15 is configured to receive input of a setting temperature for each of a plurality of periods not overlapped to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner having at least one of a cooling function and a heating function, and an air conditioner system including the air conditioner.

  Conventionally, it has been a problem to provide a comfortable sleep environment for a sleeping person in air-conditioning control during a sleep period. Patent Document 1 describes an air conditioner that changes a room temperature in accordance with a body temperature rhythm between a bedtime and a wake-up time. Specifically, in the air conditioning control using PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) which is an index of thermal sensation, the thermal environment is set to PMV = 0 from the bedtime to a certain time t during the sleep period. The temperature is gradually lowered from a neutral position to the cooling side where PMV <−0.5, and gradually from the cooling side where PMV <−0.5 to the neutral position where PMV = 0 from time t to the wake-up time. Has been raised.

JP-A-9-189442

  In Patent Document 1, air conditioning control during a sleep period is based on a PMV value that is an index of thermal sensation. For this reason, the degree of freedom of setting by the user is low, and it is difficult to reflect individual differences in thermal sensation or individual differences in the amount of clothes in the room temperature setting.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to obtain an air conditioner having a high degree of freedom in temperature setting in air conditioning control during a sleep period.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an air conditioner according to the present invention is an air conditioner capable of at least one of a cooling operation and a heating operation, and inputs a set temperature of the air conditioner. An input unit for receiving and a display unit for displaying the set temperature are provided, and the input unit receives an input of the set temperature in each of a plurality of periods that do not overlap each other.

  According to this invention, there exists an effect that the air conditioner with the high freedom degree of the temperature setting in the air-conditioning control during a sleep period can be provided.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the example of installation of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote controller in the first embodiment FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an example of the appearance of the remote controller according to Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the change of a sleeping person's state from bedtime to the time of getting up in Embodiment 1 The figure for demonstrating the setting of the room temperature during the sleep period in Embodiment 1 The figure which shows an example of the change of the room temperature at the time of performing cooling operation in Embodiment 1 Table showing an example of recommended values of setting information stored in the storage unit of the remote controller in the first embodiment The table which shows an example of each default value of bedtime and wake-up time which were memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the remote controller in Embodiment 1. The flowchart which shows the setting process of the sleep driving | operation by a remote controller in Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the display screen used for the setting of sleep driving in Embodiment 1 The flowchart which shows the process which sets the setting temperature in 1st area and the setting information of 1st area in Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the display screen used for the setting temperature in the 1st area and the setting information of the 1st area in Embodiment 1 The flowchart which shows the process which sets the preset temperature in a 2nd area in Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the display screen used for the setting of the preset temperature in the 2nd area in Embodiment 1. The flowchart which shows the process which sets the setting temperature in a 3rd area and the setting information of a 3rd area in Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the display screen used for the setting temperature of the 3rd area and the setting information of the 3rd area in Embodiment 1 The flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the sleep driving | running of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. The table which shows an example of the recommended value of the preset temperature memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the indoor unit in Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of an external appearance of a remote controller according to Embodiment 2. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the auto sleep driving | operation in Embodiment 2. Block diagram showing a configuration of an air-conditioning system according to Embodiment 3. The schematic diagram which shows the example of installation of the air system which concerns on Embodiment 3.

  Embodiments of an air conditioner and an air conditioning system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an installation example of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1.

  As shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2, the air conditioner 1 which concerns on Embodiment 1 is the indoor unit 2, the outdoor unit 4 connected by the indoor unit 2 and the refrigerant | coolant piping 3, and the indoor unit 2 and wireless communication. Possible remote controller 5. In the illustrated example, the indoor unit 2 is installed in the room where the bedding 6 is installed, that is, in the bedroom 7. The air conditioner 1 can perform an air conditioning operation including a cooling operation and a heating operation.

  The indoor unit 2 includes a temperature / humidity sensor 8 that detects the temperature and humidity in the room, a surface temperature sensor 9 that detects the surface temperature of the detected object in the room, and a communication unit 10 that performs wireless communication with the remote controller 5. And a temperature / humidity sensor 8, a surface temperature sensor 9, and a communication unit 10, and a control unit 11 that performs various controls including control of air conditioning operation. In addition, the indoor unit 2 includes a timing unit 12 that outputs timing information to the control unit 11. In FIG. 1, illustration of a configuration necessary for realizing an air conditioning operation including a refrigeration cycle is omitted.

  The temperature / humidity sensor 8 includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The temperature / humidity sensor 8 periodically detects temperature and humidity.

  The surface temperature sensor 9 periodically detects the surface temperature of the detected object in the room. The surface temperature sensor 9 is configured using an infrared sensor having a plurality of thermopiles (not shown). The surface temperature sensor 9 scans the temperature detection range by rotating the infrared sensor, and generates thermal image data of the temperature detection range using the output of the infrared sensor. Objects to be detected within the temperature detection range include a human body, a floor surface, a wall surface, and bedding 6. By using the surface temperature sensor 9, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of a person in the room and to specify the position of the person and to detect the surface temperature of the person when the person exists in the room.

  The communication unit 10 is a transmission / reception device for wireless communication. The communication unit 10 transmits / receives data to / from the remote controller 5.

  The timekeeping unit 12 is a real-time clock and outputs timekeeping information to the control unit 11. The time information is information on month, day, hour, minute, and second.

  The control unit 11 includes a calculation unit 11a that executes a calculation necessary for control, and a storage unit 11b that stores data used for the calculation. The control unit 11 is a control circuit and is realized by a microcomputer. That is, the calculation unit 11a is a processor, and the storage unit 11b is a memory. The memory is generally a semiconductor memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory and executes a control method described in the program. The memory stores setting information of the air conditioner 1, output data of the temperature / humidity sensor 8, and output data of the surface temperature sensor 9.

  The control unit 11 controls the air conditioning operation based on the setting information of the air conditioner 1, the output data of the temperature / humidity sensor 8, and the output data of the surface temperature sensor 9.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the remote controller 5, and FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the external appearance of the remote controller 5.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the remote controller 5 performs wireless communication between the input unit 15 that receives input of setting information of the air conditioner 1, the display unit 16 that can display setting information, and the indoor unit 2. The communication part 17 to perform and the control part 18 which controls the input part 15, the display part 16, and the communication part 17 are provided. In addition, the remote controller 5 includes a timer unit 19 that outputs timing information to the control unit 18. The remote controller 5 is an air conditioning control terminal and is a setting unit that receives input of setting information of the air conditioner 1.

  The input unit 15 has a plurality of buttons 20. The plurality of buttons 20 are mechanical buttons. By operating the button 20, the setting information of the air conditioner 1 can be input.

  In FIG. 4, as an example of a plurality of buttons 20, a heating button 20a, a cooling button 20b, a blow button 20c, an automatic button 20d, a stop button 20e, a temperature button 20f, a humidity button 20g, a sleep button 20h, a sleep button 20i, and sleeping A button 20j, a wake-up button 20k, a confirm button 20p, and a change button 20q are shown.

  Here, the heating button 20a is a button for accepting selection of heating operation, the cooling button 20b is a button for accepting selection of cooling operation, the blow button 20c is a button for accepting selection of blow operation, and the automatic button 20d is automatic. A button for accepting a selection of operation, a stop button 20e is a button for accepting a stop of operation, a temperature button 20f is a button for accepting a change in set temperature, and a humidity button 20g is a button for accepting a change in set humidity. is there. The sleep button 20h, the sleep button 20i, the sleeping button 20j, the wake-up button 20k, the confirmation button 20p, and the change button 20q will be described later.

  The display unit 16 is generally a liquid crystal display panel. The communication unit 17 is a transmission / reception device for wireless communication. The communication unit 17 transmits / receives data to / from the communication unit 10 of the indoor unit 2.

  The control unit 18 includes a calculation unit 18a that executes a calculation necessary for control, and a storage unit 18b that stores data used for the calculation. The control unit 18 is a control circuit and is realized by a microcomputer. That is, the calculation unit 18a is a processor, and the storage unit 18b is a memory. The memory is generally a semiconductor memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory and executes a control method described in the program.

  The timer unit 19 is a real-time clock, and outputs timing information to the control unit 18. The time information is information on month, day, hour, minute, and second.

  Here, the sleep state will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the state of a sleeping person from bedtime to waking up. The horizontal axis represents time. Specifically, it shows changes in the sleeping state of the sleeping person, changes in the deep body temperature in the sleeping person's body, and changes in the body movement of the sleeping person. The sleep state is indicated by a solid line in steps, the deep body temperature is indicated by a dotted line, and the body movement is indicated by a bar. Rectal body temperature is typical as the deep body temperature. The height of the bar indicating the body movement relatively indicates the magnitude of the body movement.

  In general, sleep is broadly classified into REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is light sleep, and non-REM sleep, which is deep sleep. During REM sleep, the organs and organs are active, especially the eyeballs move at high speed, causing increased pulsation, increased blood pressure and increased sweating. During non-REM sleep, body tension is loosened and relaxed, resulting in decreased pulsation, decreased blood pressure, and decreased sweating. Non-REM sleep is classified into “sleep depth 1”, “sleep depth 2”, “sleep depth 3”, and “sleep depth 4” in the order of the light sleep state. Hereinafter, sleep at “sleep depth 1, 2” is referred to as “shallow sleep”, and sleep at “sleep depth 3, 4” is referred to as “deep sleep”.

  After going to bed, the sleep state shifts in the order of “sleep depth 1”, “sleep depth 2”, “sleep depth 3”, “sleep depth 4” in order of “sleep depth 3”, “sleep depth 3”, “ Transition is made so that sleep becomes shallower in the order of “sleep depth 2”, “sleep depth 1”, and REM sleep. Thereafter, non-REM sleep and REM sleep are repeated alternately. The period of such a sleep cycle, that is, the human sleep cycle is usually about 90 minutes.

  Moreover, the change in the sleep state is related to the change in the deep body temperature governed by the circadian rhythm. The human deep body temperature decreases after the start of sleep so as to promote sleep, and then reaches a minimum temperature and then starts to increase. In the illustrated example, the deep body temperature rises immediately before the start of sleep, then gradually decreases as the sleep state becomes deeper, and the sleep state starts to rise at the transition time from “sleep depth 4” to “sleep depth 3”. After that, it gradually rises toward awakening.

  In general, the first half of sleep is deep sleep, and the sense of change in the thermal environment of the indoor space is dull, while the body temperature regulation function works. For this reason, there is a low possibility that awakening due to an external stimulus such as airflow or temperature and humidity will occur. On the other hand, in the latter half of the sleep, the sleep becomes shallow, and the “sleep depth 3, 4” is not so much, and it becomes easy to react to external stimuli.

  The frequency of body movement is related to the sleep state. In general, the frequency of body movement during deep sleep and REM sleep is low, and the frequency of body movement during shallow sleep is high.

  Thus, since changes in sleep state are related to changes in deep body temperature, in general, in order to provide a comfortable sleep environment for sleepers, the temperature of the room during sleep is promoted by changes in deep body temperature. It is good to set to do.

  Specifically, at the start of sleep, it is preferable to lower the indoor temperature than the temperature at which the user feels comfortable, promote heat dissipation, and lower the deep temperature. Thereby, it becomes possible to promote sleep. After that, it is better to raise the temperature in the room than at the start of sleep. Thereby, the chilling is suppressed, and the temperature stimulation is suppressed particularly during the cooling operation. Furthermore, before getting up, the temperature inside the room is maintained or further increased to promote the rise in the deep temperature.

  Therefore, in Embodiment 1, the sleep period, which is a period from the bedtime determined by the setting to the wake-up time determined by the setting, is divided into three sections, and air conditioning control is performed for each section. The sleep period is a period in which a sleep operation mode different from the normal cooling operation mode or heating operation mode is performed.

  In the first embodiment, the set temperature can be set individually for each section, and the setting information of the section can also be set.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the room temperature during the sleep period. As shown in FIG. 6, the sleep period is divided into first to third sections which are three sections.

  The first section is a period immediately after bedtime including bedtime. The bedtime is the start time of the sleep period. The second section is a period following the first section. The third section is a period following the second section, and is a period immediately before getting up including the wake-up time. The wake-up time is the end time of the sleep period.

The first section is determined by the bedtime t ₁ that is the start time of the first section and the duration u ₁ of the first section that is the length of the first section. The time t ₂ is the end time of the first section. The setting temperature in the first zone is T _1. The user can input the bedtime t ₁ , duration u ₁ and set temperature T ₁ from the remote controller 5.

The third section is determined by the rising time t ₄ is the ending time of the third section, and duration u ₂ of the third section is the length of the third section. The time t ₃ is the start time of the third period. Also, the set temperature in the third period is T _3. The user can input the wake-up time t ₄ , duration time u _2, and set temperature T ₃ from the remote controller 5.

The second section is determined by setting the first section and the third section. The start time of the second section is time t ₂ , and the end time of the second section is time t ₃ . The set temperature of the second zone is T _2. Set temperature T _2, the user can be input from the remote controller 5.

  As described above, the set temperature can be set individually for each section, and the setting information of the section can also be set. On the other hand, when considering changes in deep body temperature during sleep for these settings You can decide the recommended value for the setting.

Here, a recommended example of setting the room temperature in consideration of changes in deep body temperature during sleep will be described. First, considering the above-described changes in deep body temperature during sleep, the set temperatures of the first to third sections may be set to satisfy the relationship of T ₁ <T ₂ ≦ T ₃ regardless of the season. Recommended.

In the case of cooling operation in summer, the recommended setting information is as follows. It is recommended that the duration u ₁ of the first section is 3 hours and the set temperature T ₁ of the first section is 27 ° C. In summer, the bedridden can sleep deeply by promoting heat dissipation in 3 hours of sleep.

The set temperature T ₂ in the _second section is higher than the set temperature T _{1 in} the first section, and the difference between the set temperature T ₂ and the set temperature T ₁ is preferably 0.5 ° C. or more and 1 ° C. or less. . By higher than the set temperature T ₁ of the set temperature T _2, Nebie is suppressed.

It is recommended that the duration u3 of the _third section is 30 minutes. Setting the temperature T ₃ of the third section is equal to the set temperature T ₂ of the second section, or the temperature of the set temperature T ₂ of the second section setting temperature T ₂ higher and the second interval than the It is recommended that the difference be 1 ° C or less. This is to prevent the sleeper from becoming sleepy and to make the sleeper awake. FIG. 7 shows an example of a change in room temperature when such a cooling operation is performed.

In the case of heating operation in winter, it is recommended that the duration u ₁ of the first section is 30 minutes and the set temperature T ₁ of the first section is 17 ° C. In winter, it is sufficient to warm the room at the beginning of sleep, and if the room is warmed for a long time, heat dissipation is suppressed and the sleeper gets a deep sleep.

The set temperature T ₂ in the _second section is higher than the set temperature T _{1 in} the first section, and the difference between the set temperature T ₂ and the set temperature T ₁ is preferably 0.5 ° C. or more and 1 ° C. or less. By higher than the set temperature T ₁ of the set temperature T _2, Nebie is suppressed.

It is recommended that the duration u3 of the _third section is 30 minutes. Setting the temperature T ₃ of the third section is equal to the set temperature T ₂ of the second section, or the set temperature T ₃ of the second section setting temperature T ₂ higher and the second interval than the second It is recommended that the temperature difference from this section be 1 ° C or less. This is to promote a rise in body temperature and to make it easier for the sleeping person to get out of the bedding 6 after waking up by warming the entire room.

In the above-described recommended example, the duration u ₁ of the _first section is longer than the duration u ₂ of the third section. Further, the duration u ₁ of the first section is longer than the sleep cycle, and the duration u ₂ of the third section is shorter than the sleep cycle.

The storage unit 18b of the remote controller 5 stores in advance information regarding recommended values of the set temperature T ₁ , the duration time u ₁ , the set temperature T ₂ , the set temperature T _3, and the duration time u ₂ . Information about the recommended value is given for each of the cooling operation in summer and the heating operation in winter. Here, summer and winter are determined by defining a month corresponding to the summer and a month corresponding to the winter. Hereinafter, the heating operation in summer and the cooling operation in winter are excluded from the description because they are not selected by the user.

FIG. 8 is a table showing an example of recommended values of the setting information stored in the storage unit 18b of the remote controller 5. In FIG. 8, in the case of the cooling operation in summer, the recommended values of the set temperature T ₁ , the duration u ₁ , the set temperature T ₂ , the set temperature T ₃ and the duration u ₂ are 27 ° C., 180 minutes, 27.5 ° C, 28 ° C and 30 minutes. In the case of heating operation in winter, the recommended values for the set temperature T ₁ , duration time u ₁ , set temperature T ₂ , set temperature T ₃ and duration time u ₂ are 17 ° C., 30 minutes, 17. 5 ° C., 18 ° C. and 30 minutes.

The storage unit 18b, the information about the default value bedtime t ₁ and wake-up time t ₄ is stored in advance.

FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of default values of the bedtime and the wake-up time stored in the storage unit 18b of the remote controller 5. In FIG. 9, the default value of bedtime _{t 1} is "22:00", the default value of the wake-up time _{t 4} is "6:00". These default values are predetermined values.

  Here, the sleep button 20h, the sleep button 20i, the sleeping button 20j, and the wake-up button 20k illustrated in FIG. 4 will be described.

Falling asleep button 20i is a first button is a button for accepting an input of setting information of the set temperature T ₁ and the first section in the first section. Here, the setting information of the first section, the bedtime t ₁ is the start time of the first interval, the duration u ₁ of the first section is the length of the first section.

The sleeping button 20j as the second button is a button for accepting an input of the set temperature T2 in the _second section.

Wake-up button 20k which is the third button is a button for accepting an input of setting information of the third setting in the section temperature T ₃ and a third section. Here, the setting information of the third section includes a rising time t ₄ is the ending time of the third section, the duration u ₂ of the third section is the length of the third section.

  The sleep button 20h, which is the fourth button, is a button for accepting an input for setting the operation of the air conditioner 1 based on the setting information during the sleep period. Hereinafter, the operation of the air conditioner 1 based on the setting information during the sleep period is referred to as “sleep operation”. In addition, cooling sleep operation is referred to as “sleep cooling operation”, and heating sleep operation is referred to as “sleep heating operation”.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. First, a sleep driving setting method will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sleep driving setting process performed by the remote controller 5, and FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen used for sleep driving setting. First, the user presses the sleep button 20h in order to set sleep driving.

  In S <b> 1 of FIG. 10, the control unit 18 detects pressing of the sleep button 20 h and causes the display unit 16 to display the display screen 21 illustrated in FIG. 11. Subsequently, in S <b> 2, the control unit 18 receives an input of setting for sleep cooling operation or sleep heating operation.

  Here, the display screen 21 displays “cooling” for setting the sleep cooling operation, “heating” for setting the sleep heating operation, and “off” for releasing the sleep driving setting. . In the illustrated example, the display screen 21 is in a state where sleep driving is not set, and “OFF” is selected.

  In order to set the sleep cooling operation or the sleep heating operation, the user operates the change button 20q to move the black circle from “off” to “cooling” or “heating”, and presses the confirm button 20p. By doing so, the sleep driving setting input is completed, and the display screen 21 ends.

Next, in S <b> 3, the control unit 18 transmits setting information to the indoor unit 2 via the communication unit 17. Here, the setting information includes information indicating that the sleep cooling operation or the sleep heating operation is set, the bedtime t ₁ , the duration u ₁ , the set temperature T ₁ , the set temperature T ₂ , the wake-up time t ₄ , and the continuation. This is the default information of the time u ₂ and the set temperature T ₃ .

Note that the default setting information of the bedtime t ₁ and the wake-up time t ₄ is information regarding default values described in the table shown in FIG. Further, the default setting information of the duration u ₁ , the set temperature T ₁ , the set temperature T ₂ , the duration u _2, and the set temperature T ₃ is information on recommended values described in the table shown in FIG. The control unit 18 selects a recommended value for the cooling operation in the summer or a recommended value for the heating operation in the winter depending on whether the sleep operation is the sleep cooling operation or the sleep heating operation.

  The setting information transmitted from the remote controller 5 is received by the indoor unit 2 via the communication unit 10. The control unit 11 stores the received setting information in the storage unit 11b as setting information during the sleep period. In this state, sleep driving is in a state set based on default setting information.

  Moreover, the control part 18 preserve | saves the setting information transmitted to the remote controller 5 in the memory | storage part 18b as setting information during a sleep period.

  Next, a method for setting the set temperature in the first to third sections and the setting information in the first to third sections will be described. Hereinafter, a case where the user presses the sleep button 20i, the sleeping button 20j, and the wake-up button 20k in order will be described as an example. In addition, it is assumed that sleep cooling operation is set in accordance with the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  With reference to FIG.12 and FIG.13, the setting process of the setting temperature in the 1st area and the setting information of the 1st area is demonstrated. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing for setting the set temperature in the first section and the setting information in the first section, and FIG. 13 is used for setting the set temperature in the first section and the setting information in the first section. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen displayed. First, the user presses the sleep button 20i.

The process of S4 in FIG. 12 is started. In S4, the control unit 18 detects pressing of the sleep button 20i, and causes the display unit 16 to display the display screen 22 shown in FIG. Subsequently, in S5, the control unit 18, the set temperature _{T 1,} it accepts an input of a bedtime _{t 1} and time duration _{u 1.}

  Here, the display screen 22 will be described. The display screen 22 is a first display screen. In the illustrated example, the display screen 22 shows a default display state before the user inputs setting information.

On the display screen 22, can enter the input field 22a bedtime _{t 1,} enterable input field 22b duration _{u 1,} enterable input field 22c the set temperature _{T 1,} the recommended value of the duration _{u 1} It includes display field 22e indicating the recommended value in the display column 22d and the set temperatures _{T 1} shown. The duration u ₁ is displayed as “sleeping operation time”. In the default display state, it is possible to input from the input field 22a.

The input field 22a, a default value bedtime _{t 1} "22:00" is displayed. That is, the controller 18 refers to the table shown in FIG. 9, to display the default value bedtime t ₁ in the input field 22a.

If the user changes the bedtime t ₁ from the default value, the user operates the change button 20q, enter the bedtime t ₁ in the input field 22a, and presses the confirmation button 20p. This sets the bedtime t ₁ which is input, then the input field 22b is ready input. Also, if the user does not change the bedtime t ₁ from the default value, the user presses the confirmation button 20p. This sets the default value of bedtime t ₁ is then input field 22b is ready input.

In the input column 22b and the display column 22d, “180 minutes” that is a recommended value of the duration u ₁ is displayed. This is a recommended value of the duration u _{1 in} the case of cooling operation in summer. That is, the control unit 18 refers to the table shown in FIG. 8 and recommends the duration u _{1 in} the case of the cooling operation in the summer in the input column 22b and the display column 22d based on the fact that the sleep cooling operation is set. Display the value. Therefore, the user can set the duration u ₁ with reference to the recommended value of the duration u ₁ .

When the user changes the duration time u ₁ from the recommended value, the user operates the change button 20q and inputs the duration time u ₁ in the input field 22b. The display in the display field 22d remains the recommended value. Subsequently, when the user presses the enter button 20p, set the duration u ₁ that is input, then the input field 22c is ready input. If the user does not change the duration u ₁ from the recommended value, the user presses the confirm button 20p. This sets the recommended value bedtime t ₁ is then input column 22c is ready input.

The input field 22c, and a display field 22e, listed is the recommended value of the set temperature T ₁ of "27 ° C.". This is the recommended value of the set temperature T ₁ of the case of the cooling operation in the summer. That is, the controller 18 refers to the table shown in FIG. 8, and based on the sleep cooling operation is set, the recommended set temperature T ₁ of the case of the cooling operation in the summer in the input field 22c and display field 22e Display the value. Accordingly, the user can set the set temperature T ₁ with reference to the recommended value of the set temperature T ₁ .

If the user changes the setting temperature T ₁ of the recommended value, the user operates the change button 20q, inputs setting temperature T ₁ of the input field 22c. The display in the display column 22e remains the recommended value. Subsequently, when the user presses the enter button 20p, set temperatures T ₁ which is input is set, the display screen 22 is completed. Also, if the user does not change the setting temperature T ₁ of the recommended value, the user presses the confirmation button 20p. This sets the recommended value of the set temperature T _1, the display screen 22 is completed.

Returning to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, in S <b> 6, the control unit 18 transmits setting information to the indoor unit 2 via the communication unit 17. Here, the setting information is information set via the display screen 22 and is information regarding the bedtime t ₁ , the duration u _1, and the set temperature T ₁ .

  The setting information transmitted from the remote controller 5 is received by the indoor unit 2 via the communication unit 10. The control unit 11 updates the setting information during the sleep period already stored in the storage unit 11b using the newly received setting information.

  Moreover, the control part 18 updates the setting information during the sleep period already preserve | saved in the memory | storage part 18b using above-described setting information.

  With reference to FIG.14 and FIG.15, the setting process of the preset temperature in a 2nd area is demonstrated. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing for setting the set temperature in the second section, and FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen used for setting the set temperature in the second section. Next, the user presses the sleeping button 20j.

The process of S7 in FIG. 14 is started. In S7, the control unit 18 detects the pressing of the sleeping button 20j and causes the display unit 16 to display the display screen 23 shown in FIG. Then, in S8, the control unit 18 accepts an input of the set temperature _{T 2.}

  Here, the display screen 23 will be described. The display screen 23 is a second display screen. In the illustrated example, the display screen 23 shows a default display state before the user inputs setting information.

On the display screen 23 includes a display field 23b for indicating the recommended value of the input that can enter the setting temperature T ₂ column 23a and the set temperature T _2.

The input field 23a and display section 23b, listed is the recommended value setting temperature _{T 2} "27.5 ° C.". This is the recommended value of the set temperature T ₂ of the case of the cooling operation in the summer. That is, the controller 18 refers to the table shown in FIG. 8, and based on the sleep cooling operation is set, the recommended set temperature T ₂ of the case of the cooling operation in the summer in the input field 23a and display section 23b Display the value. Therefore, the user can set the setting temperature T ₂ on that reference to the recommended values set temperature T _2.

If the user changes the setting temperature T ₂ from the recommended value, the user operates the change button 20q, inputs setting temperature T ₂ in the input field 23a. The display in the display field 23b remains the recommended value. Subsequently, when the user presses the enter button 20p, set temperature T ₂ that is input is set, the display screen 23 is completed. Also, if the user does not change the setting temperature T ₂ from the recommended value, the user presses the confirmation button 20p. This sets the recommended value of the set temperature T _2, the display screen 23 is completed.

Returning to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14, in S <b> 9, the control unit 18 transmits setting information to the indoor unit 2 via the communication unit 17. Here, the setting information is information that is set via the display screen 23, which is information on the set temperature T _2.

  The setting information transmitted from the remote controller 5 is received by the indoor unit 2 via the communication unit 10. The control unit 11 updates the setting information during the sleep period already stored in the storage unit 11b using the newly received setting information.

  Moreover, the control part 18 updates the setting information during the sleep period already preserve | saved in the memory | storage part 18b using above-described setting information.

  With reference to FIG.16 and FIG.17, the setting process of the setting temperature in the 3rd area and the setting information of the 3rd area is demonstrated. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing for setting the set temperature in the third section and the setting information in the third section, and FIG. 17 is used for setting the set temperature in the third section and the setting information in the third section. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen displayed. The user finally presses the wake-up button 20k.

The process of S10 in FIG. 16 is started. In S10, the control unit 18 detects pressing of the wake-up button 20k, and causes the display unit 16 to display the display screen 24 shown in FIG. Subsequently, in S11, the control unit 18 receives input of the set temperature T ₃ , the wake-up time t ₄ and the duration time u ₂ .

  Here, the display screen 24 will be described. The display screen 24 is a third display screen. In the illustrated example, the display screen 24 shows a default display state before the user inputs setting information.

On the display screen 24, can enter the input field 24a of the wake-up time _{t 4,} the input can be input field 24b duration _{u 2,} enterable input field 24c the set temperature _{T 2,} the recommended value of the duration _{u 2} It includes display field 24e indicating the recommended value in the display column 24d and the set temperature _{T 2} shown. The duration u ₂ is displayed as “wake-up operation time”. In the default display state, it is possible to input from the input field 24a.

The input section 24a, which is the default value of the wake-up time _{t 4} "6:00" is displayed. That is, the controller 18 refers to the table shown in FIG. 9, to display the default value of the wake-up time t ₄ in the input field 24a.

If the user changes the wake-up time t ₄ from the default value, the user operates the change button 20q, enter the wake-up time t ₄ in the input field 24a, and presses the confirmation button 20p. This sets the wake-up time t ₄ when entered, then input field 24b is ready input. Also, if the user does not change the rising time t ₄ from the default value, the user presses the confirmation button 20p. This sets the default value of the wake-up time t _4, then input field 24b is ready input.

In the input column 24b and the display column 24d, “30 minutes”, which is a recommended value of the duration u ₂ , is displayed, which is a recommended value of the duration u _{2 in} the case of cooling operation in summer. That is, the control unit 18 refers to the table shown in FIG. 8 and recommends the duration u _{2 in} the case of the cooling operation in the summer in the input column 24b and the display column 24d based on the setting of the sleep cooling operation. Display the value. Therefore, the user can set the duration u ₂ with reference to the recommended value of the duration u ₂ .

When the user changes the duration u ₂ from the recommended value, the user operates the change button 20q and inputs the duration u ₂ in the input field 24b. The display in the display field 24d remains the recommended value. Subsequently, when the user presses the enter button 20p, set the duration u ₂ that is input, then the input field 24c is ready input. If the user does not change the duration u ₂ from the recommended value, the user presses the confirm button 20p. This sets the recommended value of the wake-up time t _4, then input column 24c is ready input.

The input field 24c, and a display field 24e, listed is the recommended value of the set temperature T ₃ "28 ℃". This is the recommended value of the set temperature T ₃ in the case of a cooling operation in the summer. That is, the controller 18 refers to the table shown in FIG. 8, and based on the sleep cooling operation is set, the recommended set temperature T ₃ in the case of a cooling operation in the summer in the input field 24c and display field 24e Display the value. Therefore, the user can set the set temperature T ₃ on that reference to the recommended value of the set temperature T _3.

If the user changes the set temperature T ₃ from the recommended value, the user operates the change button 20q, and inputs the set temperature T ₃ in the input field 24c. At this time, the display in the display column 24e remains the recommended value. Subsequently, when the user presses the enter button 20p, the set temperature T ₃ that is input is set, the display screen 24 is completed. Also, if the user does not change the set temperature T ₃ from the recommended value, the user presses the confirmation button 20p. This sets the recommended value of the set temperature T _3, the display screen 24 is completed.

Returning to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, in S <b> 12, the control unit 18 transmits setting information to the indoor unit 2 via the communication unit 17. Here, the setting information is information that is set via the display screen 24, rising time t _4, the information about the duration u ₂ and the set temperature T _3.

  The setting information transmitted from the remote controller 5 is received by the indoor unit 2 via the communication unit 10. The control unit 11 uses the newly received setting information to update using the setting information during the sleep period already stored in the storage unit 11b.

  Moreover, the control part 18 updates the setting information during the sleep period already preserve | saved in the memory | storage part 18b using above-described setting information.

  In the above description, the sleep operation is the cooling operation, but the same applies to the case where the sleep operation is the heating operation. In this case, the recommended values displayed on the display screens 22 to 24 are recommended values for the heating operation in winter.

  In the above description, the user presses the sleeping button 20i, the sleeping button 20j, and the wake-up button 20k in this order, but the pressing order does not matter.

  Further, even after the setting information during the sleep period is once set, the user can change the setting information by pressing the sleep button 20i, the sleeping button 20j, or the wake-up button 20k at any time. In this case, the recommended values are displayed on the display screens 22 to 24 together with the preset values.

  In addition, after setting information during the sleep period is set, the user designates “OFF” on the display screen 21 illustrated in FIG. 11, so that the sleep driving is performed while the setting information during the sleep period is retained. Can be released.

  Next, the sleep driving operation of the air conditioner 1 will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the sleep driving operation of the air conditioner. The main body of the operation is the control unit 11 of the indoor unit 2, and the control unit 11 controls the operation of the air conditioner 1 based on the setting information during the sleep period.

First, in S20, the control unit 11 determines whether the current time has reached the bedtime t _1. At this time, the control unit 11 obtains information on the current time from the output of the time measuring unit 12. The control unit 11 obtains information about bedtime _{t 1} from the storage unit 11b.

If the current time has not reached the sleep time t _1, the control unit 11 repeats the processing of S20. If the current time has reached the bedtime t _1, the control unit 11 proceeds to the processing shown in S21, it starts falling asleep operation. Here, the sleep operation is an operation in the first section. That is, the control unit 11 controls the operation so that the temperature detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 8 becomes the set temperature T _1. At this time, the control unit 11 obtains the information about the setting temperatures _{T 1} from the storage unit 11b.

Next, in S22, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the sleeping operation time has ended. This determination is performed from the sleep time point t ₁ compares the elapsed time to the current time and the duration u _1. At this time, the control unit 11 obtains information related to the duration u ₁ from the storage unit 11b. If the sleeping operation time has not ended, the control unit 11 returns to the process shown in S21 and continues the sleeping operation. When the sleeping operation time has ended, the control unit 11 ends the sleeping operation and proceeds to the process shown in S23.

In S23, the control unit 11 starts driving during sleep. Here, the driving during sleep is driving during the second section. That is, the control unit 11 controls the operation so that the temperature detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 8 becomes the set temperature T _2. At this time, the control unit 11 obtains the information about the setting temperature _{T 2} from the storage unit 11b.

Next, in S24, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the sleeping driving time has ended. This determination is performed as follows. The driving time during sleep is obtained by subtracting the sum of the duration u ₁ and the duration u ₂ from the sleep period. Sleep period is calculated from the difference between the wake-up time t ₄ and bedtime t _1. Control unit 11, by comparing the elapsed time and sleep during the operation time from the start time t ₂ during sleep operation to the current time, and determines whether or not completed during the operating time sleeping. At this time, the control unit 11 obtains information related to the bedtime t ₁ , the wake-up time t ₄ , the duration u ₁ and the duration u ₂ from the storage unit 11b.

  When the sleep driving time has not ended, the control unit 11 returns to the process shown in S23 and continues the sleep driving. When the sleeping driving time ends, the control unit 11 ends the sleeping driving and proceeds to the process shown in S25.

In S25, the control unit 11 starts a wake-up operation. Here, the wake-up operation is an operation in the third section. That is, the control unit 11 controls the operation so that the temperature detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 8 becomes the set temperature T _3. At this time, the control unit 11 obtains information about the set temperature _{T 3} from the storage unit 11b.

Next, in S26, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the wake-up operation time has ended. This determination is possible from the start time t ₃ of the wakeup operation comparing the elapsed time to the current time and the time duration u ₂ takes place.

  When the wake-up operation time has not ended, the control unit 11 returns to the process shown in S25 and continues the wake-up operation. When the wake-up operation time ends, the control unit 11 ends the wake-up operation and the sleep operation ends.

  The effect of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the remote controller 5 receives an input of a set temperature in each of the first to third sections. Thereby, the freedom degree of the temperature setting during a sleep period becomes high, and it becomes possible for a user to set favorite temperature according to an individual's thermal feeling and the amount of clothes in each area.

In the first embodiment, the remote controller 5 accepts input of setting information for each of the first to third sections. Specifically, the remote controller 5 accepts inputs of a bedtime t ₁ , a duration u ₁ , a wake-up time t ₄ and a duration u ₂ . Thereby, since the user can set the length of the sleeping driving time, the sleeping driving time, and the wake-up driving time, the degree of freedom of section setting is increased.

In the first embodiment, the recommended value of the set temperature T _{1 and} the recommended value of the duration u ₁ are displayed on the display screen 22 used for setting the set temperature in the first section and the setting information in the first section. is, the display screen 23 used for setting the set temperature in the second section displays the recommended value of the set temperature T _2, used to set the set temperature and the third configuration information segment in the third section in the display screen 24, the recommended value and the recommended value of the duration u ₂ of the set temperature T ₃ is displayed.

  These recommended values are determined according to the cooling operation in the summer or the heating operation in the winter based on the change in the deep body temperature during the sleep period and the sleep cycle. Therefore, displaying these recommended values is helpful when a user who does not know the sleep mechanism sets the setting information.

  In general, the objective sleep quality estimated from the sleep mechanism may not match the subjective sleep quality experienced by the user when waking up. In air conditioning that the user feels comfortable with, the user may not actually sleep well.

  According to the first embodiment, even when the user does not know the sleep mechanism, the user can set the setting information with reference to the recommended value described above and further considering personal preferences. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate known dissatisfaction regarding sleep, such as difficulty in falling asleep and getting cold in the summer, and difficulty in getting cold and getting up in the winter, and a sleep environment with high satisfaction can be provided.

  In the first embodiment, the recommended value of the setting information is determined according to the cooling operation in the summer or the heating operation in the winter, and the recommended value is determined according to the cooling or heating regardless of the season. Is not to be done.

  The recommended value of the setting information can be determined according to the season, regardless of whether the sleep driving is cooling or heating, based on the change in the deep body temperature during sleep and the sleep cycle. Alternatively, the recommended value of the setting information can be determined based on whether the sleep driving is cooling or heating and the season based on the change in the deep body temperature during sleep and the sleep cycle.

  In the former case, that is, when the recommended value of the setting information is determined according to the season regardless of whether the sleep driving is cooling or heating, a plurality of seasons are defined in advance, and the recommended values in the table of FIG. Decide for each one. Then, when displaying the display screens 22 to 24, the control unit 18 determines which season the display time corresponds to based on the output from the time measuring unit 19, and recommends a value corresponding to the season in the table of FIG. You can choose from. The season may be divided into two seasons, summer and winter, one year may be divided into three seasons, summer, winter and middle, and one year is divided into four seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter. It may be further subdivided.

  In the latter case, that is, when the recommended value of the setting information is determined according to whether the sleep operation is cooling or heating and according to the season, the recommended value according to the season can be selected for the cooling or heating. A table like this should be prepared.

  In any case, the recommended value of the set temperature in the first section is lower than the recommended value of the set temperature in the second section, and the recommended value of the set temperature in the second section is the set temperature in the third section. Or less than the recommended value. In addition, the recommended value of the duration of the first section can be longer than the sleep cycle, and the duration of the third section can be shorter than the sleep cycle.

In the first embodiment, the setting information of the first section is information related to the bedtime t ₁ and the duration u ₁ , but the end time t ₂ of the first section is used instead of the duration u _1. Also good. In this case, the display screen 22 is instead display end time t ₂ of the first section is falling asleep operation time, the recommended value of the end time t ₂ of the first section in place of the recommended values of falling asleep operation time Is displayed. Here, the recommended value of the end time t ₂ of the first section is calculated by the control unit 18 and a bedtime t ₁ the recommended value of the duration u _1.

Similarly, although the setting information of the third section is information about the rising time t ₄ and time duration u _2, may be used starting time t ₃ of the third section in place of duration u _2. In this case, the display screen 24 displays the start time t3 of the _third section instead of the wake-up operation time, and the recommended value of the start time t3 of the _third section is displayed instead of the recommended value of the wake-up operation time. Is displayed. Here, the recommended value of the start time t ₃ of the third section is calculated by the control unit 18 and a wake-up time t ₄ and the recommended value of the duration u _2.

  In Embodiment 1, the sleep period is divided into first to third sections, but the sleep period may be divided into two sections or divided into four or more sections. That is, the sleep section can be generally divided into a plurality of sections.

  Even in this case, the remote controller 5 receives the input of the set temperature in each section and the setting information of each section, and when the display unit 16 receives the input, the recommended value of the set temperature in each section and the duration or end time of each section Displays the recommended value.

  The first embodiment can be further generalized. That is, the input unit 15 of the remote controller 5 can be configured to accept input of the set temperature in each of a plurality of periods that do not overlap each other. Thereby, when making a some period into the some area which divided the sleep period, the freedom degree of the temperature setting in the air-conditioning control during a sleep period becomes high.

  Furthermore, the input unit 15 of the remote controller 5 can be configured to accept input of setting information for each of a plurality of periods. Thereby, when making a some period into the some area which divided the sleep period, the freedom degree of the setting of an area becomes high.

  In Embodiment 1, although the air conditioner 1 has a cooling function and a heating function, it is not limited to this. The air conditioner 1 should just have at least one of a cooling function and a heating function.

  Further, the remote controller 5 communicates with the indoor unit 2 wirelessly, but may communicate with the wired unit. The remote controller 5 is not limited to a dedicated terminal, and may be a mobile phone or a tablet device in which dedicated application software is installed.

  In the first embodiment, the remote controller 5 is provided with a sleep button 20i for setting the set temperature in the first section and the setting information for the first section, and the remote controller for setting the set temperature in the second section. 5 is provided with a sleep button 20j, and the remote controller 5 is provided with a wake-up button 20k for setting the set temperature in the third section and the setting information in the third section. Thereby, the setting for every section becomes easy.

  In the remote controller 5, the sleep button 20 i, the sleeping button 20 j and the wake-up button 20 k are terms of “sleeping”, “sleeping”, and “wake-up”, which are terms indicating sleep states, respectively, so that the user can easily understand. Distinguishes using displays.

  The configuration of the plurality of buttons 20 provided on the remote controller 5 is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. In particular, as for the sleep button 20h, the sleep button 20i, the sleeping button 20j, the wake-up button 20k, the confirmation button 20p, and the change button 20q, any type can be used as long as the setting information of the air conditioner 1 during the sleep period can be set. It may be in the form. When the display unit 16 is a touch panel type, at least some of the plurality of buttons 20 can be realized on the touch panel.

  In the first embodiment, in the setting operation by the remote controller 5, a different display screen is displayed each time the sleep button 20i, the sleeping button 20j, and the wake-up button 20k are pressed. After the button is pressed, two or more display screens corresponding to the pressed two or more buttons may be displayed in order.

  In addition, one button is provided instead of the sleep button 20i, the sleeping button 20j, and the wake-up button 20k, and when this one button is pressed, the display screen 22 is first displayed on the display unit 16, and the setting via the display screen 22 is performed. When the setting of information is possible and the setting is completed, the display screen 23 is displayed on the display unit 16 and setting information can be set via the display screen 23. When the setting is completed, the display unit is finally displayed. 16, the display screen 24 may be displayed so that setting information can be set via the display screen 24.

  The control unit 11 can also detect the exposed area of the sleeping person's skin based on the output of the surface temperature sensor 9 and adjust the set temperature in the first to third sections according to the exposed area.

  Specifically, the control unit 11 can detect the surface temperature of the skin based on the output of the surface temperature sensor 9 and calculate the exposed area of the skin. The surface temperature of the skin can be detected from the difference between the surface temperature of the clothes and the surface temperature of the bedding 6.

  When the exposed area of the skin is larger than the first area threshold, the control unit 11 increases the set temperature in the section to which the detection time of the exposed area belongs, and when the exposed area of the skin is smaller than the second area threshold. Lowers the set temperature in the section to which the exposure area detection belongs, and the setting in the section to which the exposure area detection belongs when the exposed area of the skin is not more than the first area threshold and not less than the second area threshold. Maintain temperature.

  According to such control, when the exposed area of the skin is large, that is, when the bedding 6 does not sufficiently cover the body of the sleeping person, the room temperature rises and the sleeping is suppressed, and the exposed area of the skin is small. That is, when the bedding 6 sufficiently covers the sleeping person's body, the room temperature is lowered so as not to cause sleepiness.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, the switching between the sleep operation, the sleep operation, and the wake-up operation is performed based on the drive time, the sleep operation time, and the wake-up operation time. Here, the driving time, the sleeping driving time, and the wake-up driving time are set by the user. Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the set temperature in each of the first to third sections can be set by the user. That is, in Embodiment 1, the function of the manual sleep driving in which the setting information during the sleep period is set by the user has been described. Embodiment 2 has a function of automatic sleep driving in addition to such a function of manual sleep driving.

  Specifically, in the automatic sleep driving, the control unit 11 determines the bedtime, the end time of the sleep operation, the start time of the wake-up operation, and the wake-up time based on the sleep state of the sleeper. The wake-up operation is automatically switched. Here, a sleep state is obtained based on the output of the surface temperature sensor 9 as a sleep state detection means.

Further, in the automatic sleep driving, the set temperature T ₁ is set to a recommended value of the set temperature T ₁ , the set temperature T ₂ is set to a recommended value of the set temperature T ₂ , and the set temperature T ₃ is recommended to the set temperature T ₃ . Set to a value. The recommended value for the set temperature T _1, information about the recommended value and the recommended value of the set temperature T ₃ set temperature T ₂ is previously stored in the storage unit 11b.

  Here, an example of a method for detecting the bedtime, the end time of the sleep operation, the start time of the wake-up operation, and the wake-up time will be described.

  In general, the number of body movements within a certain period is the largest in the awake state, and decreases in the order of shallow sleep, REM sleep, and deep sleep. Therefore, the control unit 11 determines that the body motion is awake if the number of body movements within a certain period is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and the number of body movements within the certain period is less than the first threshold and greater than or equal to the second threshold. Is determined to be shallow sleep, and if the number of body movements within a certain period is less than the second threshold and greater than or equal to the third threshold, it is determined as REM sleep, and the number of body movements within the certain period is third. If it is less than the threshold value, it is determined to be deep sleep. Here, the first threshold value is larger than the second threshold value, and the second threshold value is larger than the third threshold value. The first to third threshold values are preset.

  At this time, the control unit 11 detects the number of body movements within a certain period based on the output of the surface temperature sensor 9. In detail, since the surface temperature sensor 9 periodically outputs thermal image data to the control unit 11, the control unit 11 compares the latest thermal image data with the previous thermal image data, and these thermal image data. It is possible to detect the body movement from the difference and to determine the number of body movements within a certain period.

  The control unit 11 monitors the number of body movements within a certain period, determines that the transition from the awake state to the sleep state is a bedtime, and determines the transition from the sleep state to the awake state is a wake-up time.

  Moreover, the control part 11 monitors the frequency | count of the body movement within a fixed period, and determines the end time of a sleeping operation. For example, the end of sleep driving is determined as the time when deep sleep has been completed once or twice from bedtime. In the following, it is assumed that the sleep operation is ended when the deep sleep is ended once from bedtime. In this case, the control unit 11 ends the sleep operation when deep sleep is completed once from bedtime.

  Moreover, the control part 11 monitors the frequency | count of the body movement within a fixed period, and determines the start time of wake-up operation. For example, the start of the wake-up operation is determined as a time when light sleep occurs more than a certain number of times in a sleep state where REM sleep and light sleep are alternately repeated without going through deep sleep. This fixed number of times is preset. In this case, in the sleep state in which REM sleep and shallow sleep are alternately repeated without going through deep sleep, the control unit 11 starts wake-up operation when shallow sleep occurs a certain number of times or more.

FIG. 19 is a table illustrating an example of a recommended value of the set temperature stored in the storage unit 11b of the indoor unit 2. The table in FIG. 19 is the same as the table in FIG. 8 except that the recommended value for the duration u _{1 and} the recommended value for the duration u ₂ are not included.

  FIG. 20 is a plan view showing an example of the external appearance of the remote controller 5. In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the remote controller 5 has an auto sleep button 20 m for executing auto sleep driving. That is, when the user presses the automatic sleep button 20m, the remote controller 5 transmits information indicating that the automatic sleep driving is set to the indoor unit 2. Upon receiving this information, the indoor unit 2 starts automatic sleep driving.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic sleep driving. First, it is assumed that the automatic sleep button 20m is pressed by the user, and the indoor unit 2 is in a state where the automatic sleep driving is set.

  In S30, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the sleeper has gone to bed. At this time, the control unit 11 shifts from the awake state to the sleep state when the number of body movements within a certain period shifts from the first threshold value to less than the first threshold value, and determines that the sleeper has gone to bed.

  If the sleeper is not sleeping, the control unit 11 repeats the process of S30. When the sleeper goes to bed, the control unit 11 proceeds to the process shown in S31 and starts the sleep operation. Here, the sleep operation is an operation in the first section.

That is, the control unit 11 selects the cooling operation or the heating operation based on the temperature detected by the temperature / humidity sensor 8. For example, the control unit 11 selects the cooling operation when the temperature detected by the temperature / humidity sensor 8 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, and the temperature detected by the temperature / humidity sensor 8 is a predetermined temperature. If it is less than that, select heating operation. Then, the control unit 11 selects a recommended value setting temperature T ₁ of the table of Figure 19 in accordance with the cooling operation or the heating operation, and sets the suggested set temperature T ₁ of the set temperatures T _1, the temperature and humidity sensor temperature detected by 8 controls the operation so as to set the temperature T _1.

  Next, in S32, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to end the sleeping operation. At this time, the control unit 11 ends the sleep operation when deep sleep is completed once from bedtime. When the sleep operation is not terminated, the control unit 11 returns to the process shown in S31 and continues the sleep operation. When ending the sleeping operation, the control unit 11 ends the sleeping operation and proceeds to the process shown in S33.

  In S33, the control unit 11 starts driving during sleep. Here, the driving during sleep is driving during the second section.

That is, the control unit 11 selects a recommended value setting temperature T ₂ from the table of FIG. 19 in accordance with the cooling operation or the heating operation, and sets the suggested set temperature T ₂ to set temperature T _2, the temperature and humidity sensor temperature detected by 8 controls the operation so as to set the temperature T _2.

  Next, in S34, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to end the sleep driving. At this time, in the sleep state in which REM sleep and light sleep are alternately repeated without going through deep sleep, the control unit 11 ends the sleep driving when light sleep occurs a certain number of times or more. When the sleep driving is not terminated, the control unit 11 returns to the process shown in S33 and continues the sleep driving. When ending sleep driving, control part 11 ends sleep driving, and progresses to processing shown in S35.

In S35, the control unit 11 starts a wake-up operation. Here, the wake-up operation is an operation in the third section. That is, the control unit 11 selects a recommended value of the set temperature T ₃ from the table of FIG. 19 in accordance with the cooling operation or the heating operation, and sets the suggested set temperature T ₃ to set the temperature T _3, the temperature and humidity sensor temperature detected by 8 controls the operation so as to set the temperature T _3.

  Next, in S36, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the sleeper has woken up. When the number of body movements within a certain period shifts from less than the first threshold to a first threshold or more, the control unit 11 determines that the sleeper has transitioned from the sleep state to the wakeful state and has woken up.

  When the sleeping person has not woken up, the control unit 11 returns to the process shown in S35 and continues the wake-up operation. When the sleeping person gets up, the control unit 11 ends the wake-up operation and ends the automatic sleep operation.

  By providing such an automatic sleep driving function, the user can selectively use manual sleep driving and automatic sleep driving, and convenience is enhanced.

  Although the sleep state is detected by the surface temperature sensor 9, it is not limited to this. The air conditioner 1 may be provided with sleep state detection means different from the surface temperature sensor 9, and the sleep state may be detected by the sleep state detection means.

  As such a sleep state detecting means, for example, a Doppler radar sensor or a camera is well known. Here, the Doppler radar sensor transmits a microwave toward the human body, and obtains a change in frequency from the transmitted wave and the reflected wave. The control unit 11 detects body movements such as breathing, pulse, and rolling from this frequency fluctuation. When using a camera, the control part 11 analyzes the image imaged with the camera, and detects a body movement.

In the automatic sleep driving, the set temperature T ₁ , the set temperature T _2, and the set temperature T ₃ are set to their recommended values, but can be set by the user as in the manual sleep driving. In this case, the control unit 11 determines the bedtime, the end time of the sleep operation, the start time of the wake-up operation, and the wake-up time, and automatically switches between the sleep operation, the sleep operation, and the wake-up operation.

  Further, in the table of FIG. 19, the recommended value of the setting information is determined according to the cooling operation in summer or the heating operation in winter, but is not limited to this, as in the case of manual sleep operation. is there.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an air-conditioning system according to Embodiment 3, and FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating an installation example of the air-conditioning system according to Embodiment 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the air conditioning system 30 according to the third embodiment includes an air conditioner 1, a humidifier 31, and a bedding 32. The air conditioning system 30 is installed in the bedroom 7. The air conditioner 1 has the same configuration as the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. 22 and 23, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The humidifier 31 includes a temperature / humidity sensor 33 that detects indoor temperature and humidity, a sleep state detection unit 34 that detects a sleep state of a sleeper, and a communication unit 36 that performs wireless communication with the indoor unit 2. The temperature / humidity sensor 33, the sleep state detection means 34, and the communication part 36 are provided, and the control part 35 which performs various control including control of humidification driving | operation is provided. In addition, in FIG. 22, illustration of a humidification function is abbreviate | omitted.

  The humidifier 31 is disposed below the indoor unit 2. The humidifier 31 is a steam system that discharges steam. As shown in FIG. 23, the humidifier 31 includes a steam outlet 37 that blows steam, and a blower outlet 38 that is disposed on the steam outlet 37 and blows air in parallel to the floor surface. The steam blown out from the steam blow-out opening 37 can be directly humidified by the air blown out from the blow-out blow-out opening 38 around the sleeping person lying in the bed without going upward of the bedroom 7. Moreover, the humidifier 31 can also stop the blowing of steam and perform only the blowing operation.

  Thus, the humidifier 31 directly humidifies the sleeper's surroundings, so that the sleeper's surroundings can be quickly humidified with a small amount of water, and condensation on the wall surface and the window can be suppressed.

  Further, the humidifier 31 is not limited to the steam method, but may be a vaporization type using a filter or an ultrasonic type using an ultrasonic element. However, since the wind is strong in the vaporization type and the periphery of the humidifier 31 may get wet in the ultrasonic type, the steam method is preferable for use during sleep.

  In addition, it is also possible to humidify indoors with the air conditioner 1 which has a humidification function, without providing the humidifier 31. FIG. However, the humidity of the lower part of the bedroom 7 where the bedding 32 is arranged is different from the humidity of the upper part of the bedroom 7 where the indoor unit 2 is installed. It is preferable to provide the humidifier 31 because it is necessary to send a strong air current from the conditioner 1 and may disturb sleep of the sleeper.

  The sleep state detection means 34 is configured using an infrared sensor like the surface temperature sensor 9. However, the sleep state detecting means 34 is not limited to this, and may be one using a Doppler radar sensor or a camera, for example.

  The sleep state detection means 34 can be provided in the bedding 32, can be provided in the indoor unit 2, or can be provided independently. When the sleep state detection unit 34 is provided on the bedding 32, if the sleep state detection unit 34 is an acceleration sensor, the body motion of the sleeping person can be directly detected by the acceleration sensor.

  The communication unit 36 is a transmission / reception device for wireless communication. The communication unit 36 transmits / receives data to / from the communication unit 10 of the indoor unit 2. That is, the communication unit 36 transmits the setting information of the humidifier 31, the output data of the temperature / humidity sensor 33, and the output data of the sleep state detection unit 34 to the indoor unit 2. The setting information of the humidifier 31 includes set humidity.

  Further, the communication unit 36 receives the setting information of the air conditioner 1, the output data of the temperature / humidity sensor 8 and the output data of the surface temperature sensor 9 transmitted from the communication unit 10 of the indoor unit 2. The setting information of the air conditioner 1 includes setting information of the air conditioner 1 during the sleep period. The communication unit 10 is a first communication unit, and the communication unit 36 is a second communication unit.

  The control unit 35 includes a calculation unit 35a that executes calculation necessary for control, and a storage unit 35b that stores data used for the calculation. The control unit 35 is a control circuit and is realized by a microcomputer. That is, the calculation unit 35a is a processor, and the storage unit 35b is a memory. The memory is generally a semiconductor memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory and executes a control method described in the program. The memory stores setting information of the humidifier 31, output data of the temperature / humidity sensor 33, output data of the sleep state detection means 34, and data received from the indoor unit 2.

  The control unit 35 controls the humidifying operation or the air blowing operation based on the setting information of the humidifier 31, the setting information of the air conditioner 1, and the output data of the temperature / humidity sensor 33.

  The control unit 11 of the indoor unit 2 can also use the output data of the sleep state detection means 34 received from the humidifier 31 for controlling sleep driving.

  The bedding 32 is configured such that a temperature / humidity sensor 40, a control unit 41, a communication unit 42, and a heating unit 43 are provided on a bedding main body constituting a bed. The temperature / humidity sensor 40, the communication unit 42, and the heating unit 43 are connected to the control unit 41. In the illustrated example, the bedding body is a bed.

  The temperature / humidity sensor 40 detects the temperature and humidity in the bed. The temperature / humidity sensor 40 is installed, for example, in a mattress placed on a bed.

  The heating means 43 is a heat appliance. The heating means 43 only needs to be able to heat the inside of the bed, and is, for example, a heater installed in the mattress.

  The control part 41 controls the heating means 43 based on the output data of the temperature / humidity sensor 40 and the setting information of the heating operation, and controls the heating operation in the bed. The control unit 41 performs various controls in addition to the control for the heating operation. The setting information for the heating operation is the setting information for the heating means 43.

  The communication unit 42 is a transmission / reception device for wireless communication. The communication unit 42 transmits / receives data to / from the communication unit 10 of the indoor unit 2. That is, the communication unit 42 transmits the setting information of the heating operation and the output data of the temperature / humidity sensor 40 to the indoor unit 2.

  Further, the communication unit 36 receives the setting information of the air conditioner 1, the output data of the temperature / humidity sensor 8 and the output data of the surface temperature sensor 9 transmitted from the communication unit 10 of the indoor unit 2. The setting information of the air conditioner 1 includes setting information during the sleep period. The communication unit 42 is a third communication unit.

  The control unit 41 includes a calculation unit 41a that executes a calculation necessary for control, and a storage unit 41b that stores data used for the calculation. The control unit 41 is a control circuit and is realized by a microcomputer. That is, the calculation unit 41a is a processor, and the storage unit 41b is a memory. The memory is generally a semiconductor memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory and executes a control method described in the program. The memory stores setting information of the heating operation, output data of the temperature / humidity sensor 40, and data received from the indoor unit 2.

  In Embodiment 3, the humidifier 31 performs a humidifying operation or a blowing operation in conjunction with the air conditioner 1, and the bedding 32 performs a heating operation in conjunction with the air conditioner 1. That is, the air conditioner 1 transmits the setting information during the sleep period to the humidifier 31 and the bedding 32, respectively. Thereby, the control part 35 of the humidifier 31 can obtain the information regarding bedtime, sleep operation time, sleep operation time, wakeup operation time, and wakeup time. Similarly, the control unit 41 of the bedding 32 can obtain information related to the bedtime, the sleep operation time, the sleep operation time, the wakeup operation time, and the wakeup time.

  The humidifier 31 can execute the humidifying operation or the air blowing operation when the air conditioner 1 is executing the sleep operation based on the setting information during the sleep period. For example, in summer, the humidifier 31 performs a blowing operation during the sleep operation of the air conditioner 1. Thereby, it ventilates around the sleeping person's face from the humidifier 31, and heat dissipation is accelerated | stimulated. In winter, the humidifier 31 performs a humidifying operation during the sleep operation of the air conditioner 1. As a result, the air around the sleeping person's face is moisturized and the sleeping person's breathing is facilitated, so that the quality of sleep is improved.

  The bedding 32 performs a heating operation before going to bed and after getting up based on the setting information during the sleep period. When this heating operation is performed in the summer, the bedding 32 is dehumidified and the occurrence of ticks is suppressed. In addition, when this heating operation is performed in winter, the bedding 32 is warmed before going to bed and the sleeper is easy to sleep, and the bedding 32 is warmed before waking up so that the sleeper is easy to get up. .

  Further, the humidifier 31 can execute the humidifying operation or the air blowing operation when the air conditioner 1 is executing the wake-up operation based on the setting information during the sleep period. For example, in winter, the humidifier 31 performs a humidifying operation while the air conditioner 1 is in the wake-up operation. Thereby, awakening of a sleeping person can be promoted.

  Moreover, the bedding 32 can perform the heating operation when the air conditioner 1 is executing the wake-up operation based on the setting information during the sleep period. For example, in winter, the bedding 32 performs a warming operation while the air conditioner 1 is in the wake-up operation. Thereby, the rise in the deep temperature of the sleeper is promoted.

  Thus, when the humidifier 31 and the bedding 32 are operated in conjunction with the air conditioner 1, a sleep environment with higher satisfaction can be provided to the user.

  In the illustrated example, the humidifier 31 is not configured to directly communicate with the bedding 32, but the humidifier 31 may directly transmit and receive data to and from the bedding 32.

  When a control device (not shown) such as a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) is installed in a house, the control device communicates with the indoor unit 2, the humidifier 31, and the bedding 32, and the indoor unit 2, the humidifier. 31 and the bedding 32 may be controlled.

  The configuration described in the above embodiment shows an example of the contents of the present invention, and can be combined with another known technique, and can be combined with other configurations without departing from the gist of the present invention. It is also possible to omit or change the part.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air conditioner, 2 Indoor unit, 4 Outdoor unit, 5 Remote controller, 6, 32 Bedding, 7 Bedroom, 8, 33, 40 Temperature / humidity sensor, 9 Surface temperature sensor, 10, 17, 36, 42 Communication part, 11 , 18, 35, 41 control unit, 11a, 18a, 35a, 41a calculation unit, 11b, 18b, 35b, 41b storage unit, 12, 19 timing unit, 15 input unit, 16 display unit, 20 buttons, 20m auto sleep button , 20a Heating button, 20b Cooling button, 20c Air blow button, 20d Automatic button, 20e Stop button, 20f Temperature button, 20g Humidity button, 20h Sleep button, 20i Sleep button, 20j Sleep button, Wake up button 20k, 20p Confirm button, 20q change button, 21, 22, 23, 24 display screen, 22a, 22b, 2c, 23a, 24a, 24b, 24c input column, 22 d, 22e, 23b, 24d, 24e display field, 30 an air conditioning system, 31 humidifier, 34 sleep state detecting means, 37 a steam blowout port, 38 blowing air outlet.

Claims (10)

An air conditioner capable of at least one of a cooling operation and a heating operation,
An input unit for receiving an input of a set temperature of the air conditioner;
A display unit for displaying the set temperature,
The input unit is an air conditioner that receives an input of the set temperature in each of a plurality of periods that do not overlap each other.   The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the input unit receives input of setting information for the plurality of periods.   The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of periods are a plurality of sections into which a sleep period is divided. The plurality of periods are first to third sections in which a sleep period is divided,
The first section is a section including a bedtime that is a start time of the sleep period,
The third section is a section including a wake-up time that is an end time of the sleep period,
The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the second section is a section between the first section and the third section.   The setting information of the first to third sections is information regarding the bedtime, the duration or end time of the first section, the wake-up time, and the duration or start time of the third section. 4. The air conditioner according to 4. The display unit displays a first display screen used for setting the set temperature, the bedtime, and the duration or end time of the first section in the first section, and the second section A second display screen used for setting the set temperature is displayed, and a third display screen used for setting the set temperature in the third section and the duration or start time of the third section is displayed. Display
On the first display screen, a recommended value of the set temperature in the first section and a recommended value of the duration or end time of the first section are displayed,
The recommended value of the set temperature in the second section is displayed on the second display screen,
The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein a recommended value of the set temperature in the third section and a recommended value of the duration or start time of the third section are displayed on the third display screen.   Recommended value of the set temperature in the first section, recommended value of the duration of the first section, recommended value of the set temperature in the second section, recommended value of the set temperature in the third section And the recommended value of the duration of the said 3rd area is an air conditioner of Claim 6 determined according to the season based on the change of the deep body temperature during a sleep period, and a sleep cycle. The recommended value of the set temperature in the first section is lower than the recommended value of the set temperature in the second section,
The recommended value of the set temperature in the second section is less than or equal to the recommended value of the set temperature in the third section,
The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein the recommended value of the duration of the first section is longer than the sleep cycle, and the duration of the third section is shorter than the sleep cycle. A surface temperature sensor for detecting the surface temperature of a sleeper;
A control unit for controlling cooling operation or heating operation,
The said control part detects the exposed area of the said sleeping person's skin based on the output of the said surface temperature sensor, and adjusts the said setting temperature in the area to which the detection time of the said exposed area belongs according to the said exposed area. 5. The air conditioner according to 5. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 4 to 9,
A humidifier capable of humidifying operation or blowing operation;
With bedding that can be heated in the bed,
The air conditioner can communicate with the humidifier and the bedding,
The air conditioner transmits the setting information of the first to third sections to the humidifier and the bedding, respectively.
The humidifier performs a humidifying operation or a blowing operation in conjunction with the air conditioner based on the setting information of the first to third sections,
The bedding is an air conditioning system that performs a heating operation in conjunction with the air conditioner based on the setting information of the first to third sections.

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